Ping in 2005 launched its G5 line of clubs, which included drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons and putters. The clubs, which all had blue graphic markings throughout the line, are available only in the fairway woods and ladies irons as of September 2010, with Ping having followed up with its G10, G15, Rhapsody and K15 lines. As always, Ping will repair and restore clubs shipped to its factory for the replacement and shipping cost, and it will bend irons and reshaft clubs to fit golfers who may have bought a used set.
Step 1
Write measurements a club fitter will need to get started. Stand up straight without shoes and have someone measure from the floor to your wrist to narrow the shaft length needed. For your grip size, measure your dominant hand from the major crease below the base of your wrist to the end of your longest finger, then measure the longest finger from the end to tip. Write an estimate of the carry distance with your driver and how far you hit a 7-iron to give the club fitter an idea where to start in the shaft needed.
Step 2
Visit the club fitter of your choice. Share your measurements during the initial interview. Try the club setups the club fitter offers on a strike board, during which impact tape on the sole of the club will indicate what lie angle you need for your irons and if the shaft length is correct. Hit drivers in a hitting stall where you can be measured by a radar launch monitor until you find the club that helps you generate the highest ball speed and the appropriate launch angle and spin rate. Tell the club fitter what kind of trajectory you prefer so he can adjust the shafts to help you generate the height of shot you want throughout the set.
Step 3
Arrange for a second test during a different part of the day to validate your initial findings. Ask the club fitter to send your G5 set to Ping for the necessary adjustments.
Step 4
Arrange a repeat visit with your club fitter every two years or if your ball-striking becomes inconsistent. Swings change as we improve or age, so check whether you need more club adjustments over time.
Tips and Warnings
- While some club fitters can adjust Ping clubs, the steel used is very hard to bend, and many shops ship the clubs to Ping's factory for adjustments. If the lie angles on lofts need adjustment beyond 0.75 degrees, it will repaint the color dot on the irons that indicates where the club fits on its color code fitting chart. Shafts might need replacing if your used G5 clubs have a flexible shaft and you have a high swing speed, or a shaft too stiff for a slower swing speed. Fitting the right shaft can help you hit the ball farther and more accurately.
- Look on the hosel of your Ping irons for a serial number. You can call Ping's customer service at (800) 474-6434 to learn when the clubs were made and if they had been repaired before. If you can't find a serial number or if it doesn't match up, the clubs are likely fake.
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